According to the U.S. Labor Department, employment opportunities for music educators in elementary and secondary schools should increase, due to a large number of teachers reaching retirement age. Competition for performance musicians will continue to be keen, as clubs and restaurants seek highly talented musicians. The Music degree program at Finger Lakes Community College offers you theoretical skills and performance opportunities to prepare you to continue your education.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Music at Finger Lakes is designed to enable you to transfer into four-year baccalaureate degree programs in music. The program is also an appropriate course of study if you are preparing for one of the many careers in music which do not require a four-year degree.

Our program is supported by a substantial new facility that includes a music recording studio, music rehearsal hall, applied music studios, practice rooms, and a midi keyboard laboratory.

The challenging curriculum includes courses in music history, theory, and master composers, in addition to applied music and music ensemble. In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students enrolled in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.

The opportunity for you to gain experience in performance is a popular feature of the music program at Finger Lakes. Students perform as part of the Finger Lakes Chorale, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, College Singers, Finger Lakes Camerata, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, or Guitar Ensemble.

Graduates from the program have transferred to baccalaureate music programs at SUNY Colleges at Fredonia, Geneseo and Potsdam, the Eastman School of Music, Nazareth College of Rochester, the Berklee College of Music, Middle Tennessee University, and others*, and enjoy a variety of careers including public school teaching, private piano, voice and guitar instruction, church choir direction, church organist, and jazz performance.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average annual earnings of salaried musicians and singers in 2000 were $36,740. Earnings often depend on the number of hours and weeks worked, a performer’s professional reputation, and the setting for the performance. Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, including music educators, ranged from $37,610 to $42,080 in 2000.

* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.

The Finger Lakes Chorale has recently established an award for an outstanding student in Music who plans to continue his or her education. For details, contact a member of the Music faculty or the Financial Aid Office.